Ever had one of those days where u just need comfort food fast? This creamy chicken carbonara is my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever. Trust me this dish has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count.
Creamy chicken carbonara combines tender chicken pasta and that silky egg-based sauce that’s straight from Italian heaven. The sauce clings to every strand of pasta and the crispy bacon adds the perfect salty crunch. What makes this version special? Its got all the traditional carbonara elements but the addition of chicken makes it hearty enough for even the hungriest eaters at your table.
When u take that first bite the creamy richness hits right away followed by savory bacon notes and juicy chicken. Keep reading to learn how I stumbled on this perfect creamy chicken carbonara recipe after years of trial and error!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Making traditional carbonara can be tricky – one wrong move and you’ve got scrambled eggs instead of silky sauce. This recipe solves that problem with a foolproof method that works every time.
I first made this creamy chicken carbonara for my partner’s birthday dinner. Was super nervous cause his mom’s Italian but he took one bite and said it was better than what he grew up eating! (Don’t tell his mom lol)
What’s great about this dish is how flexible it is. Having friends over who don’t eat pork? Skip the bacon and add extra chicken. Need to use up veggies in your fridge? Throw em in! Regardless of how u customize it the creamy egg-cheese sauce brings everything together beautifully.
Now let’s get into exactly what you’ll need to make the best creamy chicken carbonara at home!
Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Chicken Carbonara
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 pound spaghetti or fettuccine – thicker pasta works best to hold the creamy sauce
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – about 1 pound cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon – provides the essential salty component but pancetta works too
- 3 cloves garlic minced – fresh is way better than jarred here
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin gives best flavor
- Salt and black pepper to taste – don’t skimp!
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 large eggs – room temperature eggs prevent sauce from seizing
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – pre-grated won’t melt right so grate ur own
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is what makes our version extra creamy
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly cracked gives best flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – adjustable depending on how salty ur bacon/cheese is
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup frozen peas – adds nice color and sweetness
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – brightens the dish
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – if u like a bit of heat
- Extra Parmesan for serving – cause more cheese is always good
If ur watching calories u can sub half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For gluten-free diets just swap in your fave GF pasta and everything else stays the same!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready. This recipe moves quick once you start so have all ingredients measured and prepped. Bring a large pot of water to boil for pasta (don’t add salt yet). While waiting cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop bacon into small pieces.
In a bowl whisk together eggs cream half the Parmesan cheese salt and pepper until smooth. This is ur sauce base – set aside at room temp.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Once water’s boiling add salt (should taste like sea water). Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Important: reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water is key for perfect sauce consistency.
Step 3: Cook Bacon and Chicken
While pasta cooks heat large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy about 5-7 mins. Remove bacon with slotted spoon leaving grease in pan.
Add chicken pieces to the same pan with bacon grease. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through about 5-6 mins. Check by cutting into a piece – no pink should remain.
Add minced garlic during last minute of cooking chicken – don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Working quickly drain pasta (remember to save some water first!). Add hot pasta directly to pan with chicken and garlic. Toss to combine.
Remove pan from heat completely – super important or eggs will scramble! Wait 30 seconds then pour egg mixture over pasta while tossing constantly. The residual heat will cook eggs gently creating creamy sauce.
If sauce seems too thick add reserved pasta water little by little until u get perfect consistency. Add crispy bacon bits and toss again.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add any optional ingredients like peas or parsley now. Toss until everything’s well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper. The creamy chicken carbonara should be silky not dry or runny!
Delicious Variations of Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Veggie Loaded Version
Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup spinach and 1/2 cup mushrooms. Sauté veggies before adding pasta for a nutritious twist that still maintains that creamy chicken carbonara goodness.
Lemon Herb Carbonara
Add zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like basil and thyme. The brightness cuts through the richness making it perfect for summer dinners.
Spicy Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Double the garlic add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and finish with drizzle of chili oil. Great for those who like heat with their creamy dishes!
Roasted Garlic Carbonara
Replace regular garlic with whole bulb of roasted garlic. The sweet mellow flavor adds amazing depth to classic creamy chicken carbonara.
Smokehouse Carbonara
Use smoked chicken instead of regular and add 1/4 cup smoked gouda along with the Parmesan. Different but delicious!
FAQ: Your Creamy Chicken Carbonara Questions Answered
Can I make creamy chicken carbonara ahead of time?
Not really recommended. Carbonara is best fresh as reheating often makes sauce separate or dry out. If u must make components ahead cook pasta bacon and chicken separately then assemble with sauce right before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently on stove with splash of cream to bring sauce back together. Microwave works in pinch but stir every 30 seconds.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great – just add to pan to warm through before combining with pasta. Makes this creamy chicken carbonara even quicker for busy nights.
Why did my sauce turn into scrambled eggs?
Happens when pan is too hot when adding egg mixture. Make sure to remove from heat completely and let cool for 30 seconds before adding eggs. Keep tossing constantly too!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works ok. For lighter version use 1/4 cup cream and 1/4 cup pasta water. Won’t be as rich but still tasty. Avoid milk as it’s too thin for proper creamy chicken carbonara.
Is carbonara safe to eat with undercooked eggs?
The residual heat from pasta cooks eggs to safe temp if done properly. If concerned use pasteurized eggs. Sauce should reach 160°F to be food-safe.
What sides go well with creamy chicken carbonara?
Simple green salad with lemon dressing balances richness perfectly. Garlic bread also great for soaking up extra sauce. If u want something similar with different flavors try our Chimichurri Chicken Thighs for next meal!
The Perfect Comfort Food You’ll Make Again and Again
First time I made this creamy chicken carbonara was during lockdown when good food felt especially important. The kitchen filled with smell of sizzling bacon and garlic and for moment everything felt ok. Now whenever things get stressful this is my go-to recipe.
What I love most is how this dish balances the traditional carbonara technique with practical additions like chicken that make it more filling. Its fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknights.
Make this creamy chicken carbonara your own! Start with this recipe then adjust to your taste. And if ur in mood for something with southern flair next time check out our Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce instead!
Would love to hear how your creamy chicken carbonara turns out – it might become your new fave comfort food too!